First-Time Freshman Admissions Requirements

Application

Students will be required to submit a nonrefundable $45 application to complete the application process. This fee can be paid online, via credit card, when submitting your application, or a check or money order can be mailed to KCAI Admissions Office, 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111

KCAI will accept the following fee waivers. Please note that your application will not be reviewed for admission until your waiver is received via mail. All waivers should be mailed to the address above.

*Please note that if you submit one of the application fee waivers listed above, you will need to select “pay by check” when submitting your application.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a way for our admissions committee to get to know you. It should be as authentic as you are!

Your personal statement should be approximately 500 words (three paragraphs) and should be completed by answering the following three questions. Your responses should form three thoughtfully constructed paragraphs that provide us insight into who you are as an artist, student, and individual.

What is your background and experience in art?

What are your artistic goals while attending KCAI?

What are your ambitions and career goals upon graduating from KCAI?

Portfolio

Your portfolio should consist of 10-15 images of recent work

KCAI recommends presenting a body of work demonstrating an understanding of the technical aspects of art making, as well as the ability to apply those skills toward more personal pieces. Working from direct observation can be a valuable way to build a technical, formal, and material vocabulary. Utilizing your technical vocabulary in your work shows us how you take creative risks.

We encourage you to consider the following:

Formal elements, such as composition, color, line, and point-of-view

Material exploration, as it relates to the ideas in your work

Content development, to show us your individual perspective.

Keep in mind that no two portfolios are the same; your portfolio is a reflection of who you are and your art making experiences. Therefore, your work will be evaluated based on those experiences.

College Transcripts

If you have completed undergraduate level college coursework and you would like to be considered for transfer credit, you will need to submit your official college transcript(s). In order to be considered official, transcripts must be submitted one of the following ways:

Mail – If you’re sending your official transcript by mail, it must be mailed to us in an unopened envelope stamped and sealed by your college/university.

Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required for all applicants. Letters of recommendation are helpful in getting to know you within an educational setting. We strongly encourage you to pick a teacher who can speak to things like your work ethic, art making abilities, and personal character.

Letters of recommendation must be submitted in one of the following ways:

Digital/Electronic:

We accept electronic/digital letters of recommendation from Parchment (Naviance); please check with your high school guidance office to see if they’re a member.

You can also, request a letter of recommendation via SlideRoom. Please note that you will need the following information to use this feature.

Name and email of your recommender

Mail – If you’re sending your letter of recommendation by mail, it must be mailed to us in an unopened envelope stamped and sealed by your high school.

AP or IB Credit

If you have completed Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, you may apply those credits to KCAI. For detailed information please click here.